Mickey Mantle: Memories and Memorabilia Chapter

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ITPC Sale Boasts Fred Kail Pieces

Inside the Park Collectibles latest phone/Internet auction is up and running and open for bids. As with most ITPC auctions, this auction has a heavy emphasis on figural and display-type memorabilia. There are 150 quality lots of vintage memorabilia with ITPC’s no buyer’s premium policy in effect.

One of the many highlights of this auction is the consignment of several pieces from the personal collection of famed sports artist Fred Kail.

“We are honored to be chosen to handle a number of statues from Mr. Kail’s collection,” said ITPC co-partner Lou Criscione. “I’ve spoken to Mr. Kail on a number of occasions over the years and was really excited to receive some of his choice pieces. We have always felt that his football and baseball statues are some of the finest collectibles in the hobby. His attention to detail of the uniforms and helmets are spectacular. He is to sports memorabilia what Picasso is to modern art.”

The auction also includes several artist proofs, as well as a prototype Cleveland Browns running back statue that has never been offered to the general public. An original Gino Marchetti signed statue (one of only two known) is also included in this auction. Of historical importance is a four-piece statue set honoring the 1958 Baltimore Colts World Championship defensive line of Marchetti, Art Donovan, “Big Daddy” Lipscomb and Don Joyce.

The auction continues with several terrific pieces from ITPC’s well-documented Gibbs-Conner Estate find. The lead piece is a 1956 N.Y. Giants World Championship bank that depicts the Giants mascot standing on a bear head (the Giants beat the Chicago Bears 47-7 in the championship game). Other mascot banks include the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox.

The figural offerings continue with an array of statues from such companies as Carter-Hoffman, Hartland Plastics, Rittgers and Stanford Pottery. There is also a nice selection of actual baseball player statuettes, including 1950s issues from Dairy Queen, Big League Stars and Robert Gould. Plus, look for the popular Hall of Fame busts from the early 1960s.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an ITPC auction without its specialty vintage bobbing head dolls. The feature doll is the rare Roberto Clemente doll from 1962. Other featured dolls are a “black face” Baltimore Orioles, a Dodger Weirdo doll with tag, Willie Mays and a number of NFL dolls from the 1960s. There are also several non-sport dolls, including Fidel Castro and the comical Rumpus Room dolls.

This auction is also offering a number of autographed items, such as a 1925 N.Y. Yankees check, a Paul Waner cut, “Willie, Mickey and the Duke” poster and an assortment of single-signed baseballs.

If you like oddball memorabilia, this might be the auction for you. Some of the items include vintage pennants, helmet plaques, team photo packs, tickets and much more.